Ajimobi, Tinubu, others extol Okunnu’s virtues at book launch

Eminent Nigerians yesterday extolled the virtues of a legal luminary and former Federal Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu.

They described him as a rare breed, who is passionate about service to humanity.

The personalities spoke at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos at the launch of two books written by Okunnu.

They include the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; former International Court Judge Prince Bola Ajibola; former Governor of the old Western State Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd.); former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Oorelope-Adefulire.

The books, Actors and Institutions in the Development of Islam in Lagos and Torch Bearers of Islam in Lagos State, were edited by Prof. Siyan Oyeweso and Musibahudeen Raheemson.

The book launch is part of activities marking Okunnu’s 80th birthday.

Tinubu, who chaired the occasion, described Okunnu as a devoted Muslim.

The former governor, who was represented by Ajimobi, said: “Okunnu is a devout Muslim, who is committed to religious harmony and peaceful co-existence.

“These books should be embraced by all because it dwells on factors that unite the country. The religious crises in the country are not necessary. We should read the books to understand that we must love one another and co-exist in peace.”

Ajimobi described Okunnu as one of the first generation of public servants, who exhibited a high level of integrity, incorruptibility and dedication to service.

He said: “In a Nigeria where many of the actors of yesterday have had their ranks depleted, Chief Okunnu serves as one of the greatest surviving links between the Nigeria of old, which, regrettably, because of the slide of affairs today, we still hold dear as the barometer with which to measure a great period of our nation’s existence.

“I have always followed his unassuming, yet immeasurable, personality with admiration. I have read his life history and picked major elements there to structure my life.

“The message of the books is that we should mould our country and society positively, so that children of today would become a source of pride in a greater tomorrow.

“Okunnu’s tenacity of mind and determination to impact on the society, led to the great historical accounts of his growing up and the influence of Islam on his life.

“By writing these books, Okunnu has entered the pantheon of people who will live forever. One of the ways of achieving immortality is to codify one’s thoughts for posterity.

“Decades from now, generations yet unborn would read his books like a bible, a compass for the way forward.”

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire, described Okunnu as a “true nationalist, who has succeeded in producing good leaders”.

Fashola said: “We must thank Okunnu for the worthy life and good example he has shown over the years. He has produced great leaders for this country. He has built bridges across socio-cultural and religious divides. This stands him out as a true nationalist.

“By producing leaders like Tinubu and Fashola, whose impact are felt all over the country, Okunnu has shown that his leadership qualities cannot be rivalled. Leaders who have not produced predecessors cannot call themselves true leaders. Okunnu has to his credit notable men, whose role in the society cannot be relegated. We pray that he lives among us much longer.”

Ajibola, Adebayo and Anyaoku said Okunnu’s life is worthy of emulation.